So after the hectic city of Hanoi it was nice to chill out on the train overnight to Hue, well, that was until we discovered we were not alone in the cabin - There was a mouse running around!!! Oh my goodness i have never wrapped myself so tightly up in a sleeping bag, even around my head!! Managed to get some sleep but was glad when we arrived at our destination!!

Once all checked into the hotel and a quick freshen up we headed out for a motorbike tour of Hue. Very nervous as never been on the back of a motorbike and havings seen how they drive in Vietnam i was not to sure about the whole thing. I got to go on the bike of the local tour leaders bike and he was so funny and soon had me enjoying myself. We headed out of town to the countryside which was better as less traffic, however the roads were a bit more bumpy!! First stop, the Old Royal Palace which was huge and is being restored. It was very hot wondering around but there was a nice man with a cold bucket of water and towles inside it once we got back to the motorbikes! We then headed to a little village and hangout with the locals for a while and some of the group had there palms read by a local lady. After a cool refreshment we headed to see a lady who makes the pointy hats (have forgotten the name) that all the local wear. It was amazing to see how she does it as only has one hand. By this time it was time to head for dinner, which was being prepared at the local Nun Convent. All traditional dishes were served a was a little adventurous but most things were to spicy!! After lunch we stopped at to look at the Ring which was built a long time ago where locals used to watch Elephants and Tigers fighting. You could see scratch marks on the wall where the tigers were locked up. From here we visited a shop were the local people make inscent sticks, even got to have a go but wasn't too good at it!! Then we headed to the river for a boat cruise. We stopped off along the river to see a pagoda and to learn about the monk that set fire to himself. After a little bit more cruising down the river its was time to jump back on the motorbikes back to the hotel. It was a fantastic day and although im not sure id go on a motorbike again it was a great way to see the countryside and take in the beautiful views.

The next day we had a fairly long drive to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, which had stunning scenery to look at and when we reached the top we got out to look out over - and to take pictures. We arrived in Hoi An late afternoon.